Ned Crouch, International Business Consultant and Author
Why are we seen as naïve and unrealistic by many other cultures? Ned Crouch promises a humorous and
entertaining presentation, as he helps us understand our own culture better, using our relationship
with our nearest southern neighbor, Mexico.
We share the longest border in the world between a developed and a developing country, yet we lack
basic understanding of the Mexican culture. How are we different from each other? Why do we look at the
same thing but see something quite different? What are the stereotypes we have of each other, and how do
they stand in the way of a harmonious relationship? How can we understand each other better so that we can
build on a distant friendship, and create a stronger North America?
Ned explains how Mexicans organize themselves for work, and how their different work styles often conflict
with ours. He then discusses how Mexico organizes itself politically, economically and socially to meet
the challenges of modernization, and how Mexico’s culture drives them into the industrial age. And, he
explores legal and illegal immigration into the United States--all through the lens of cultural
understanding.
Buy the book! We have a book signing with Ned immediately after his presentation.
Cost is $22.95 – check or cash preferred, but in a pinch we will take credit cards.
Ned embarks on a national speaking tour to other councils after his presentation with us.
Cost/Reservation Information: $10, members; $15, non-members. Includes light refreshments.
Payable at door but, please call in your reservation to the 24-hour reservation line at 776.1721,
mailbox 3 or email wacwm@iserv.net so we may plan and have a name tag(s) for you (and your guests).
Thursday, September 16th
Donnelly Center, Aquinas College (park in Woodward Avenue parking lot – follow signs)
5:15 – 6:00 PM Reception
6:00 – 7:00 PM Program
7:00 PM Book signing with Ned Crouch>
This event, part of the Council’s Global Executives’ Briefing series, is underwritten by the local office of Deloitte & Touche LLP and Standard Federal Bank..
With Dr. Hisham Nashabe
The Woodrick Institute of Aquinas College invites our members to join their guests for a presentation
by Dr. Nashabe, a Fulbright Scholar at Davenport University this fall. Lunch and program is only $7
for our members. Osta’s Lebanese Cuisine will cater some wonderful Middle Eastern food.
RSVP to Tawanna at the Institute by calling 632.2177 or by emailing her at
harritaw@aquinas.edu
Please mention you are a World Affairs Council member when you reserve (and let her know if you prefer vegetarian).
You need a reservation but you may pay at the door.
American University of Beirut
Wednesday, September 22
Noon – 1:30 PM
Donnelly Center, Upper Level, Aquinas College Campus
Wednesday, September 29
Workshops: Check back soon for complete list.
We have received a grant from the UN Foundation (headed by Tim Wirth, who visited several years ago
when he was still at the State Dept) to organize a The People Speak: America’s Role in the World event
this fall. Our members and other interested people are now privileged to join in a nationwide initiative
with thousands of other Americans who understand that our role in the world has changed dramatically in
recent years.
The bipolar world of the Cold War has given way to an age of interdependence. Today, a disorienting
array of transnational threats, economic challenges and global issues – including terrorism, trade and
environmental degradation – paradoxically draw the world together and tear it apart.
We have decided to focus on one particular topic our members find of interest: How US energy choices
affect our security both here and abroad. We have asked Aquinas College’s Sustainable Business degree
program and the West Michigan Environmental Action Council to help us plan this interesting and
provocative afternoon and evening series of workshops and plenary sessions to educate our members and
other interested community members about this issue.
In designing this series of workshops, we asked ourselves: What are the consequences of our dependence
on oil and other fossil fuels? What are the security implications? To what extent are we willing to
make sacrifices to reduce our dependence on oil? What priority should the United States assign to the
development of renewable energy technologies such as biofuels (plant-derived, clean-burning fuels) as a
substitute to fossil fuels (non-renewable fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas)?
Our working thesis is that our national security requires us (and our allies and defense treaty obligators)
to become less dependent on fossil fuels, because they are located in unfriendly, threatened, and/or
unstable countries. The USA does not have the oil reserves necessary to make us energy independent,
but alternative and renewable sources of energy can be developed and made significant if there is
leadership and R & D backing. We believe that energy conservation is the “low-hanging fruit” of energy
independence and can be done without reducing our standard of living. Sustainable business ties in as a
conservation strategy and as an originator of alternative & renewable technologies.
Early Evening Portion of Workshop:
The national security of the United States is at risk partially because of our dependence on foreign oil.
What is the national security strategy? How is it developed? And how does the nation’s energy policy
relate to it and our foreign policy?
Cost for entire program (afternoon workshops and evening presentation with Dr. Ronis
(includes coffee break and evening reception) $40, members; $45, non-members
Evening-only program with Dr. Ronis (includes evening reception): $15, members; $20, non-members
Donnelly Center, Aquinas College Campus (parking right at door)
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Sheila Ronis, President, The University Group, Rochester Hills, MI
"U.S. Energy Policy and the National Security Strategy: The Need for U.S. Energy Independence"
Reception: 5:30 PM
Program: 6:15 – 7:15 PM Donnelly Center, Upper Level, Aquinas College Campus
Monday, October 25, 2004
Off-the-record remarks by Ambassador Bremer followed by questions from the audience
Reception: 6:00 TO 6:45 PM in Ambassador Ballroom lobby – Cash Bar
“President Bush picked him for the most powerful post any American has held abroad since General
Douglas MacArthur’s postwar years in Japan.” The New York Times
We take great pleasure in announcing that our 55th Anniversary Dinner keynote speaker is
Ambassador L. Paul Bremer, former Presidential Envoy to Iraq. We simply could not think of a more
pertinent speaker for our council when foreign policy issues are front and center for the first time in
decades during a presidential election. We are one of the first appearances for Amb. Bremer during his
American lecture tour following the turnover to the Iraqis the end of June and his leaving Iraq.
During his 23-year State Department career, Ambassador Bremer served as Special Assistant or Executive
Assistant to six Secretaries of State. He has received the State Department Superior Honor Award,
two Presidential Meritorious Service Awards and the Distinguished Honor Award from the Secretary of State. Ambassador Bremer is a leading expert on crisis management, terrorism and homeland security.
This is a fundraiser for the Council! Tickets for individual members are $125, and include dinner.
Individual non-member tickets are $150 each, and include an individual membership to the council.
Call for table sponsorship information and private reception option with Ambassador Bremer.
We truly appreciate the generous underwriting support for this dinner from Marsh and Grand Valley State
University.
Ambassador Ballroom, Grand Plaza Hotel
Dinner: 6:45 TO 8:00 PM
Program : 8:00 TO 9:15 PM
Business Attire